Douglas Alexander MP, Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary, has written to William Hague setting out Labour's position ahead of the United Nations General Assembly:

“The case made by the Palestinians for recognition as a state is strong. This week, at the United Nations, the British Government should be willing to support the recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of continuing steps to achieve a comprehensive two state solution.

“But there also remains a heavy onus upon the British government and other members of the international community this week to work to ensure that any change in the level of Palestinian recognition is then followed by meaningful negotiations between the parties.”